Ray Sanders Leadership Podcast

NO REGRETS

Ray Sanders — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

American rockstar John Bon Jovi once said he never wanted to be the guy that said he wishes he would’ve, could’ve or should’ve. Most people won’t regret what they have done in life but rather what they did not do in life. What is still on your bucket list? Learn how you can live a life with few regrets on this edition of the Ray Sanders Leadership Podcast.

Chapters

00:00 Living a Life with Few Regrets
05:55 Reflecting on Life's Journey
11:36 The Importance of Purpose and Passion
17:03 Writing Your Own Obituary
22:43 The Dash: Living Meaningfully

BE DANGEROUS

Ray Sanders — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

How dangerous are you? Are you a force to be reckoned with? You don’t have to be mean, belligerent or unkind in order to be dangerous. Fear is a choice. Where does your strength come from? Podcast host, Ray Sanders unpacks lessons learned as he discovered powerful strategies from a very dangerous cage fighter.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Leadership and Courage
02:51 Embracing Danger: A New Perspective
05:43 The Importance of Being Dangerous
08:19 Physical and Mental Readiness
10:51 The Spiritual Component of Danger
14:03 Fitness and Food: The Two F's
16:51 Mental Training: Overcoming Stinking Thinking
19:32 The Role of Confidence and Community
26:00 The Power of a Well-Read Bible
27:56 The Importance of Mentorship and Community
30:13 Assessing Your Danger Level
33:55 The Need for Honesty and Accountability
36:11 The Role of Self-Love in Spiritual Growth
45:44 Overcoming Addictions with the Three I's

CHARIOTS OF FIRE: WHAT ARE YOU RUNNING FOR?

Ray Sanders — Thu, 01 May 2025 19:01:52 -0500

Where are you heading? What direction are you heading down life’s highway? Are you where you thought you would be at this stage in your journey? What gives your life meaning and purpose? What can you learn about getting the most out of life from the award-winning movie, Chariots of Fire on this edition of the Ray Sanders Leadership Podcast?

Chapters

00:00 Finding Purpose in Life
06:48 The Journey of Eric Lydell
09:15 Understanding Your Calling

SIGNS SOMEONE IS LYING TO YOU.

Ray Sanders — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:02:25 -0500

Who is lying to you? How would you know? How often do people lie and who lies the most? How many lies does the average person tell in a day? Who can you trust? How does lying affect our relationships? What are the benefits of telling the truth? Ray gets real and reveals insightful research that sheds light on the lies that are so common today. Believe it or not, people are lying to you and that’s the truth!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Topic of Lying
01:10 Statistics on Lying
04:30 Reasons Behind Lying
06:48 Identifying Lies: Verbal and Non-Verbal Clues
10:19 The Impact of Lying on Relationships

EMPATHY. WHO REALLY CARES?

Ray Sanders — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:10:07 -0500

What comes to mind when you hear the word empathy. Do you see empathy as a sign of weakness or strength? On this edition of the Ray Sanders Leadership Podcast Ray digs in and unpacks this common but often misunderstood word. Empathy.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Empathy: A Deep Dive
07:17 The Importance of Perspective in Leadership
12:35 Building Capacity for Empathy
14:04 Empathy in Action: Real-Life Applications

WOULD YOU RATHER?

Ray Sanders — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 09:38:09 -0600

It’s an age old childhood favorite. Who hasn’t had fun playing, Would You Rather? What does it look like to play, Would You Rather, as an adult? Ray provides insightful perspectives on, Would You Rather, on this edition of the Ray Sanders Leadership Podcast.

Chapters:
00:00:00: Introduction to the topic "Would You Rather?"

00:00:40: Welcome by Ray Sanders

00:00:55: Exploring "Would You Rather" questions

00:03:35: Reflection and closing remarks

DO WE HAVE A FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE

Ray Sanders — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 21:42:23 -0500

Are you ever frustrated trying to communicate? Do you ever feel misunderstood or misunderstand what someone is trying to communicate? Communicating can be hard, frustrating and difficult. On this edition of the Ray Sanders Leadership Podcast, Ray unpacks four common barriers to communication and 3 C’s for better communication.

DOES GOD EXIST?

Ray Sanders — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:29:19 -0500

Does God exist? Is it possible to know God? Is it even possible? If so, what does it mean to experience God? How would we know if we did? Did man create God or did God create man? In this special edition, of the Ray Sanders Leadership podcast, Ray shares his thoughts on knowing God from his sunny vacation spot in Florida.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:32 Contemplating the Existence of God
01:35 Ways God Communicates with Us
02:26 Experiencing God Through Creation
04:19 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION

Ray Sanders — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 14:44:56 -0500

On this special edition of the podcast, Ray takes listeners on a journey to what is was like growing up as a young man in a family where alcohol abuse and domestic violence nearly took his life. Despite the trauma and tragedies, Ray shares how he has come to discover the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.

WHO CAN YOU TRUST?

Ray Sanders — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0500

Have you ever been burden by a friend or someone close to you? Have you ever been lied to? How did that make you feel? Who can you trust? Knowing who you can trust isn’t always easy. If you have trust issues, this episode of the Ray Sanders’s Leadership podcast will help you determine who you can trust.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Trust: Challenges and Insights
03:22 The Power of Trusting in the Lord

BRING BACK THE GOOD OLE’ DAYS

Ray Sanders — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 20:00:00 -0500

Whatever happened to the good ole’ days? Where in the world is society heading? Did you ever think things would end up the way they are? Do you find yourself dreaming about the “good ole” days? You aren’t alone. The good ole’ days were real! On this edition of the Ray Sanders’ Leadership podcast, Ray unpacks ideas that are certain to challenge us and have us looking at ways to live life better than ever before.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Concept of the 'Good Old Days'
03:21 Taking Responsibility for a Better Tomorrow
05:19 The Role of Everyday People in Creating Positive Change

LIFE CHECK. HOW'S IT GOING?

Ray Sanders — Wed, 01 May 2024 20:00:00 -0500

How is it going? No really. How is it really going? When was the last time you slowed down and took a look at how things are going in your life? On this episode of the Ray Sanders Leadership Podcast, Ray takes listeners through a simple and practical exercise that is certain to help them gain greater satisfaction in life and work.

Takeaways

The Wheel of Life is a useful tool for assessing different areas of one's life.
The eight spokes of the life wheel include health, friendships, finances, spirituality, family, career, purpose, and fun.
Taking the time to reflect on each area can help identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement.
By focusing on all aspects of life, individuals can achieve greater satisfaction and balance.

Chapters

00:00: Welcome and Introduction

00:26: The "Wheel of Life" Concept

01:37: Life Wheel Online Assessment

02:36: Wagon wheel analogy with eight life scopes

04:03: How to use the Life Wheel for assessment

07:59: The Purpose and Significance of Life

09:48: How the Life Wheel can improve your life

12:45: Wrapping up and final thoughts.

CONQUERING BUSY SEASONS

Ray Sanders — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 20:00:00 -0500

Are you busy? Is your plate full? Are you struggling to keep your head above water? Exhausted? Stressed and overwhelmed? You aren’t alone. There are thousands of people just like you who are doing all they can to make ends meet. Is the answer working harder and longer? Sacrificing more to gain a little? On this episode of the podcast Ray challenges our thinking and unpacks how if we aren’t careful, a busy season can become a harmful lifestyle.

Takeaways

Busyness has become an epidemic in our society, but working harder and longer is not the answer to success.
Rest and slowing down are essential for personal well-being and productivity.
Sacrificing time with loved ones for work is not worth it in the long run.
It is important to make time for what truly matters and avoid letting a season in life become a lifestyle.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to the Episode

00:06: Busy lifestyle and the potential problems

02:02: The culture of busy and the impact on people's lives

03:18: Indicators that a season in life may have become a lifestyle

04:19: A personal story highlighting the cost of being too busy

06:53: Conclusion and Call to Trade off work time for more Personal time

08:37: Closing remarks and Resource sharing.

THE 4G LIFESTYLE

Ray Sanders — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 19:01:00 -0600

In this episode of the Ray Sanders Leadership Podcast, Ray Sanders introduces the concept of the sweet spot in life, where everything aligns and brings fulfillment. He shares examples of individuals like Michael Jordan who found their sweet spot and excelled in their chosen fields. Ray also discusses the feeling of being out of sync and the importance of discovering one's sweet spot. He presents the 4G Life Model, which helps individuals explore their gifts, life-giving activities, pet peeves, and things they are grateful for. Ray encourages listeners to reflect on their lists and strive to live in their sweet spot for greater joy and fulfillment.

Takeaways

The sweet spot in life is where everything aligns and brings fulfillment.
Discovering your sweet spot involves understanding your gifts, life-giving activities, pet peeves, and things you are grateful for.
Living in your sweet spot leads to greater joy and fulfillment.
The 4G Life Model is a helpful tool for self-discovery and finding your sweet spot.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Sweet Spot
01:21 Living in the Sweet Spot
02:19 Feeling Out of Sync
03:18 Discovering Your Sweet Spot
04:47 The 4G Life Model: Gifted
05:45 The 4G Life Model: Life-Giving
06:44 The 4G Life Model: Grinding
07:11 The 4G Life Model: Grateful
08:37 Reflecting on Your Lists
09:48 Knowing Your Sweet Spot
10:17 Using the 4G Model

FIND THE ONE

Ray Sanders — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:01:00 -0600

In this episode, Ray Sanders explores the search for meaning and purpose in life. He highlights the common questions many people have about their purpose and the desire to make a difference. Sanders emphasizes that making a difference doesn't always require leading a massive organization but can start at home. He encourages listeners to find opportunities to make a difference everywhere they go, whether it's through a simple smile or a kind word. Sanders also introduces the Find The One Challenge, where individuals are challenged to wake up every morning looking for someone to encourage, help, or love. Takeaways

Many people wonder about their purpose and desire to make a difference in the world.
Making a difference can start at home and in everyday interactions with others.
Small acts of kindness, such as a smile or a kind word, can have a significant impact on others.
The Find The One Challenge encourages individuals to actively seek opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.

Chapters 00:00 Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life 03:08 The Search for Meaning and Purpose 04:06 Making a Difference at Home 05:33 Making a Difference Everywhere 06:29 Framing Life Around the Good 07:26 The Power of Reaching Out 09:25 The Find The One Challenge 10:54 Reflecting on Making a Difference

THE DECISION TREE

RAY SANDERS — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:05:00 -0600

Summary

In this episode of the Ray Sanders Leadership Podcast, Ray Sanders discusses the importance of decision making and introduces the decision tree tool. He explains how leaders are faced with numerous decisions every day and how one bad decision can have a significant impact. The decision tree tool helps leaders make better decisions by considering four categories: God, Gut, Others, and Opportunity. By rating each category on a scale of 1 to 10 and calculating the average, leaders can determine their confidence level in a decision. Sanders also explores the David Principle of waiting, watching, and being willing to take action.

Takeaways

Leaders are faced with numerous decisions every day, and one bad decision can have a significant impact. The decision tree tool helps leaders make better decisions by considering four categories: God, Gut, Others, and Opportunity. By rating each category on a scale of 1 to 10 and calculating the average, leaders can determine their confidence level in a decision. The David Principle of waiting, watching, and being willing to take action can guide leaders in making decisions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Decision Making 02:12 The Role of Decision Making in Leadership 03:38 The Decision Tree Tool 09:45 Category 1: God 14:37 Category 2: Gut 15:33 Category 3: Others 16:34 Category 4: Opportunity 20:25 Calculating the Confidence Rating 25:18 The David Principle: Waiting, Watching, and Willing 29:42 Conclusion and Call to Action

WWW.RAYSANDERS.COM

Decision Tree PDF download:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fuv650hi9bruvln5hwpwt/Decision-tree-Rays-Sanders-Leadership-Podcast.pdf?rlkey=2enm6vr5un2jk5dvm827iscea&dl=0

POWER OF 4 & 6

RAY SANDERS — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 19:27:00 -0600

Summary

In this episode of the Ray Sanders Leadership Podcast, Ray Sanders discusses the topic of worry and how to live with less of it. He shares insights from the book of Psalms and the book of Philippians, highlighting the importance of finding refuge and strength in God, turning worries into prayers, being still and knowing God, and not relying on our own abilities. Sanders emphasizes the power of leaning on God and the peace that comes from trusting in Him.

Takeaways

Find refuge and strength in God during times of worry. Turn worries into prayers and communicate with God. Practice being still and knowing God's presence. Avoid relying solely on your own abilities and understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 01:29 Finding Refuge and Strength in God 05:24 God as an Ever-Present Help 06:00 Being Still and Knowing God 09:20 What Are You Leaning On? 11:43 The Power of Four and Six 15:30 Conclusion

WWW.RAYSANDERS.COM

NOTHING TO PROVE

Ray Sanders — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0500

What are you trying to prove? Who are you trying to impress? Learn how the greatest freedom in life comes from having nothing to prove as Ray shares stories from his childhood and his days in a bipartisan role in the United States Senate.

ARIEL DELGADO, AUTHOR, SPEAKER, COACH & CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL EXECUTIVE

Ray Sanders — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:50:00 -0500

Podcast Host, Ray Sanders interviews Ariel Delgado as he walks listeners through Delgado's new book, The Wounded Child, A Real Life Story of Healing and Hope.

OVERCOMING THE LIFE LONG CHALLENGES OF DIABETES

Ray Sanders — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:05:00 -0500

On this episode co-host Stephanie Sanders joins Ray in studio as they hear from their daughter, Emily Rose Hill as she unpacks what its like to overcome the difficulties of type one diabetes. Listeners learn critical insights for overcoming the challenges of chronic disease as well as gain tips for navigating the highs and lows of diabetes.

TOMMIE HARRIS, AUTHOR OF ENDURE, PLAYING THROUGH LIFE'S HARDEST HITS

Ray Sanders — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 21:32:00 -0500

Podcast host Ray Sanders, sat down with NFL Pro Bowler and OU football Lombardi Award winner, Tommie Harris at the annual F.U.E.L. Leadership Conference to hear how Tommie's life was forever changed following the sudden death of his wife Ashley. During the interview, Sanders highlights and discusses powerful and touching stories from Tommie's new book, Endure, Playing through life’s hardest hits.

THE PESKY PILLOW PROBLEM

Ray Sanders — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 21:00:00 -0500

Podcast Host Ray Sanders challenges listeners to live on purpose by finding someone to help, love and encourage each and everyday.

LIVING AND LEADING WITH BLINDSPOTS

Ray Sanders — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 14:40:00 -0500

As a keynote speaker at the Blue Print for Business Conference, Ray challenges leaders to recognize how blindspots are hindering their ability to lead effectively.